Garbage on helmet bands

I know I am a sub-rookie and all, but I have a major problem with firefighters carrying all kinds of garbage on their helmet bands. I recently saw a new minted LT who had every inch of his helmet band covered with crap, including a pair of trauma sheers with plastic handles. The last time I looked at my trauma sheers, the had a handle that could only withstand autoclave temps up to 280 degrees. It seems to be a sign of expertise to carry all that s*** on your helmet. Thoughts?

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Permalink Reply by Joel C Kelley on April 5, 2008 at 5:18pm

All sub rookies should have this much saftey awareness! He is asking a question of safety, and we need to answer with the safest course of action!

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Permalink Reply by Joel C Kelley on April 5, 2008 at 5:22pm

I don't know, I think the idea of a rookie asking safety questions is a good idea, might keep me from doing something stupid!

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Permalink Reply by mike angle on April 5, 2008 at 6:45pm

i have a paul conway red with nothing on it but my leather sheild

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Permalink Reply by Engine 32 Capt. on April 6, 2008 at 9:24pm

So basically what you're saying is that you don't have a valid answer as to why it's 'unsafe', you just think it's stupid and therefore it should go away. Is that what you're trying to say?

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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on April 6, 2008 at 10:02pm

I wonder if the new prorotype Helmet mounted TIC's are considered "helmet garbage" and a sign of whackerism?

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Permalink Reply by Engineco913 on April 6, 2008 at 10:03pm

Thats right, the rubber and plastic may melt, my bad

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Permalink Reply by Joel C Kelley on April 7, 2008 at 2:40pm

Having thought back over the last several years, I can only remember once when anything on my helmet melted. It was on a training fire, and the NFPA compliant faceshield melted. Too hot? Probably. Need a new face shield? Definitely! That was back in the day when we wore 1010's, but I have never gotten in that hot since, even on live fires. For me, the prime safety consideration is the possibility that my lid might get pulled off by getting caught up in stuff, but it obviously isnt enough of a concern to keep me from wearing an eagle on the front.

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Permalink Reply by jonathon on April 7, 2008 at 4:14pm

i agree with everyone if you feel that you need the sh!t than you need it the rubber has saved my a** before and i am sure it will again

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Permalink Reply by Charlie on August 10, 2008 at 3:33pm

The problem you have mentioned is a valid concern for your fellow firefighter. In less than a year in the fire service, I have seen experienced firefighters with multiple pairs of ems shears in their helmets, along with multiple lights, probably with additional items I did not see. I would hope that they would have enough common sense to remove these items before entering a working fire with these ornaments on their helmets, but judging by the semi melted handles and smoke stains on them, I am guessing they did not. While I believe each person is entitled to make their own judgments on what tools they need, based on past experiences the line should be drawn somewhere with SOGs/ SOPs.
Lastly, I have heard of instances where the bands do rot overtime and become weakened by heavy flame, causing them to break. Hopefully in a situation where these "tools" do hang up on anything the band would break or the tool would simply come out. But unfortunately us firefighters usually don't get that lucky. Myself I'd rather be safe than sorry.

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Permalink Reply by Jay on August 10, 2008 at 4:25pm

Here's a thought..... why does it matter what anyone carrys on their helmet? If someone wants to carry a couple extra items up there, then that is entirely on them... if they arent breaking a policy, procedure, or general order, then let em be... and as a "subrookie" as you called yourself, the only thing you should really concern yourself on is learning from these senior FFs and Officers, not dogging them for what they have on their lids...

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Permalink Reply by Brian Dumser on August 10, 2008 at 5:20pm

Siren-
We've got one of those here. We nicknamed him "IKE" for "I know everything"! LOL

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Permalink Reply by Rob on August 10, 2008 at 5:25pm

i agree with most others, its all personal pref. i use to have "wedges" for doors and blocking sprinkler heads, a pair of trama shears, and a flashlight with my band, did a PPV attack on a room and contents, got a little hot, melted the rubber strap and lost everything, so needless to say, i no longer carry anything on my helmet anymore. i feel the pockets on the gear can carry most anything you will need, and if its not enough, get a gut belt with extra storage. stay safe.